Hardness and wear rate of Al LM6 hollow cylinder fabricated using horizontal centrifugal casting

Abstract

Horizontal centrifugal casting is one of the methods to produce functionally graded materials (FGMs). The pouring temperature and rotational speed of the mold are among the main parameters affect the quality of casting. The effect of these two casting parameters on the hardness and wear properties of the Al LM6 hollow cylinder fabricated are investigated. The hardness value along the radial direction of the Al LM6 hollow cylinder fabricated is measured using Micro Hardness Vickers test. Meanwhile the wear rate of Al LM6 hollow cylinder fabricated is determined by measuring the mass loss after loaded with 5 N force and sliding distance of 75 m on silicon carbide grit paper (200 μm). The result after the testing shows that the Al LM6 hollow cylinder which is fabricated at pouring temperature 725°C and motor speed of 1500rpm produces the highest hardness sample and the cylinder fabricated at pouring temperature 690°C and motor speed of 1700rpm have the lowest wear rate value.